History of Darfur

Overview:


Here is a briefing done by Save Darfur:


Q and A
by the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3496731.stm


Timeline:

Go here

Rebels:

visit here for a description of the primary rebel groups.

Sudan and China:


China is the leading foreign investor in Sudan, with an annual trade value of roughly $1 billion. In the past several years, China has developed a number of oil fields, built a 900 plus mile pipeline, as well as a refinery and a port. Sudan represents China's largest overseas investment, worth at least $3 billion, and Sudan is the third largest supplier of oil to China.

Many of the helicopter gunships used by Khartoum were purchased from China using expected revenues from oil extracted in South Sudan. Amnesty International has documented the effect of China's arms exports to Sudan, noting that Chinese equipment has been used by the Government of Sudan and Janjawid in operations in Darfur.
In addition to the effects of China's arms deals with Sudan, China, as the leading economic partner with Sudan, is in a unique position to stop the atrocities in Darfur. UN Security Council Resolution 1706, which called for the deployment of UN peacekeepers to replace the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) was not supported by China which, along with fellow permanent member Russia and rotating member Qatar, abstained from the vote. The result was a mixed message to Khartoum about the international community's commitment to finding a viable security arrangement for the people of Darfur and eastern Chad. With the UN, the international community is now calling for a hybrid African Union/United Nations peacekeeping force.
It is incumbent upon China, as much or more than any other international actor, to do all it can to address the tragedy in Darfur and now eastern Chad. As a key supplier of arms and funds to the Khartoum government, China is especially responsible for the continued violence in Darfur at the hands of the Government of Sudan and the Janjawid. Furthermore, by virtue of its close relationship with the Government of Sudan, China is one of only a few actors that can exert pressure to end the targeting of civilians in Darfur, and fulfill commitments Khartoum has made to disarm the Janjawid and adhere to its responsibility to protect civilians in Sudan.

Civil War:

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